Trade talk not worrying Hanley amid tough year

Trade talk not worrying Hanley amid tough year

"I don't think about it," Ramirez said. "I just heard about it. I just come and play the game hard and try to win games."

USA Today reported on Wednesday that the Marlins and Red Sox discussed a major deal that would send Ramirez and Heath Bell to Boston for Carl Crawford.

Ramirez, who came up in the Red Sox system, said on Thursday he was unaware of the report until informed by a reporter.

"I don't worry about things that I can't control," Ramirez said. "Rumors are rumors, man. I don't believe nothing like that, until it happens."

The Marlins acquired Ramirez after the 2005 season in a trade that sent Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell to Boston. In 2006, Ramirez was the National League Rookie of the Year.

A three-time All-Star shortstop, Ramirez was the NL batting champion in 2009. He finished runnerup to Albert Pujols that year in the NL MVP voting.

Ramirez switched to third base this season, making room for Jose Reyes to play shortstop. Defensively, the 28-year-old has been steady. But at the plate, his numbers are well below his career average. He is batting .249 with 14 home runs and 47 RBIs entering Thursday.

Although he has struggled at the plate, Ramirez noted the season isn't over.

As long as he is with the Marlins, he plans to come to the park ready to play. Many speculated Ramirez would have a tough time adjusting to third base, but he has been praised by the club, the coaching staff and teammates for his work ethic and attitude.

"Nothing is going to change," Ramirez said. "I'm going to keep playing my same game. I'm going to continue to play hard every day. That's about it."

The feeling around the Marlins is the talks with the Red Sox did occur, but chances of that specific trade being made is regarded as unlikely. Still, Ramirez had fond memories of playing in the Red Sox system.

"They might love me, that's a good thing," Ramirez said with a laugh. "They still like me."

Although Ramirez's statistics are down, he is most concerned about the Marlins winning.

"I'm trying," he said. "I don't want numbers, I want wins, as many as we can get."